Champion Trees in Oaky Woodsby Danny Hamsley and John Trussell ![]()
California is not the only place that has giant trees. This huge red oak has a hollow center big enough for forester Danny Hamsley to stand inside! It can be found along Big Grocery Creek in Oaky Woods WMA.
The desire to save and document champion trees started many years ago:
"Let every tree lover, every forester, every lumberman rally…to fight for the preservation of our biggest tree specimens." ![]()
Oaky woods has several old beech tree carvings dating from the early 1900's. This one shows a man holding a moonshine jug in one hand and a cigar in the other hand. The carving is next to a swimming hole along a creek and the remnants of an old moonshine still are close by. The word "bear" with carved bear claws is visable on the left side of tree. This carving was made in 1933 and has been verified by Harvey Rackley of Perry. (photo by John Trussell)
National champion trees capture our imagination for their size and strength, however, there's more to a champion than just its size—they are symbols of all the good work trees do for the quality of the environment and our quality of life. Big trees provide more cooling shade and more places for wildlife to perch and nest. They sequester more carbon dioxide, trap more pollutants, and purify more water. Although most trees can outlive us - 100 to 200 years is not unusual - they succumb to age, disease and insects, wind, rain, and drought. And now, all too often, to the chainsaw buzz of development. All trees work hard to improve our environment. It's our responsibility to maintain a healthy environment that allows trees to grow to champion status. Order the Register
The Register is the hotbed of new champs, dethroned favorites, and, much-sought-after bragging rights. It also includes articles about big trees, profiles of Big Tree hunters and places, wonderful National Champion Tree photos and much more. Become a member and get the Register for free. Call 800-368-5748, ext. 202 |